Christopher Nkunku scored the only goal of the game as RB Leipzig boost their hopes of securing Champions League football for the third consecutive season.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men took the lead in the 51st minute against fellow top four contenders Bayern Leverkusen after a smart turn from Nkunku gave him enough space to rifle a volley into the top left corner.
Leipzig almost doubled their lead ten minutes later after Alexander Sorloth’s low effort stuck the post which rebounded in the path of Dani Olmo who forced a great save from Finnish international Lukas Hradecky.
After conceding three goals to Mainz last week the Die Roten Bullen midfielder, Kevin Kampl, has praised his teammates’ resilience after keeping a clean sheet against one of the Bundesliga’s best attacks: ‘It was a great game from us as a team. We defended passionately and didn’t allow Leverkusen much room. It was important to show a reaction after the loss in Mainz’.
Leverkusen struggled to create opportunities but almost snatched a late equaliser after the ball was squared to Lucas Alario, but his shot was smartly saved by Hungarian Keeper Peter Gulascsi.
Die Werkself boss Peter Bosz believes his side can get back to winning ways after suffering back-to-back defeats for the second time in a month: ‘I am convinced that we can look ahead and get back to winning our games. We can go on such a run again if we play better football and win games and, important players will soon be back in the squad’.
Bosz’s side move down one place to fourth and face mid-table VFB Stuttgart next Saturday as they look to improve their recent form.
Looking to build from Saturday’s victory, Leipzig face strugglers Schalke 04 next week as they look to keep the pressure on league leaders Bayern Munich.
In France, the big game between Marseille and Rennes was postponed due to violent scenes at the training ground on Saturday when approximately 300 fans attacked officers at the training centre.
The incident saw 25 people arrested while seven police officers were injured – recently fans have held a number of protests about how the clubs is being run.
Following three straight defeats, and struggling in seventh, the fans decided to take their own action.
It is thought that they have caused several hundred thousand euros worth of damage.
Last season ex-Chelsea boss Andrea Villas-Boas led the French giants to second in Ligue 1 but after a disappointing season it looks unlikely that his contract will be renewed in the summer.
By Bryce Densham
